Are Those Super Shoes Really That Super?

The Trend: Decades ago, running shoes were rigid, heavy, and focused on stability and pronation control. That was followed by the popularity of minimalist shoes. (Remember those “barefoot” sneakers?) Now the trend is the “super shoe”: a chunkier sneaker with a tall mound of light, springy PEBA foam atop a carbon plate in the mid-sole that can propel you like a trampoline. 

What People Are Saying: The newest super shoes have high stack heights made from a mountain of foam. Fans say it feels like a turbo boost and makes their running more efficient. But there are some potential downsides. Foam tends to deteriorate pretty quickly, so these kicks may not last the average 300 to 500 miles. (Plus, super shoes are usually pretty pricey.) Compromised cushioning could result in knee pain or plantar fasciitis. Detractors say all that foam could lead to sloppy form — no matter how and where you land, you feel nothing but cloud-like padding. 

What to Know: These shoes won’t turn into The Flash. Yes, you may run a little faster and easier, but the gains are moderate. To preserve your form, it’s probably best to use them sparingly and strategically (like for races), not as your everyday shoe.